THE RETIREMENT OF DICK KERR: ONE OF OUR NATION'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST -- HON. BUD SHUSTER (Extension of Remarks - March 04, 1992)

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HON. BUD SHUSTER

in the House of Representatives

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1992

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the accomplishments of Richard J. Kerr, who retired last week as the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Dick Kerr was a superb intelligence officer who personified the best traditions of the CIA. He was truly a Central Intelligence officer: The breadth of his experience made him the best example I know, of an all-around officer. His expertise showed best in the last few years, when he was the Deputy Director, and then Acting Director for a long period pending the confirmation of Mr. Gates.

As Director of Central Intelligence [DCI] Gates noted in Kerr's retirement ceremony at CIA headquarters last week. `The issues in which Dick has played a role over these years read like a history of our time and span the globe.' Dick spent 32 years with the CIA. Rising through the directorate of intelligence to be senior analyst, then representative to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, then head of a task force planning the use of new collection sytems, and then executive officer of the intelligence community staff.

In 1982, the DCI appointed Dick Kerr the Associate Deputy Director for Intelligence. In 1986 he was briefly the Deputy Director for Administration, before being named Deputy Director for Intelligence. This critical job manages the CIA offices that produce analysis and finished intelligence for U.S. policymakers. Dick Kerr was appointed Deputy Director for Central Intelligence in March 1989, where he served until March 2. For some months in the second half of 1991, Dick was the Acting Director of Central Intelligence after Judge Webster's resignation.

In a ceremony last week at CIA headquarters, Dick was presented with CIA's highest medal, The Distinguished Intelligence Medal. DCI Gates noted during the ceremony that Dick Kerr throughout his career `displayed not only a brilliance for analysis, but a unique grace under pressure and an unusual candor that has won over even the sharpest critic.' In July 1991, President Bush presented Dick Kerr with the Presidential Citizens Medal for Kerr's unique contributions during the Persian Gulf crisis.

In my personal and professional contact with Dick Kerr, I was always impressed not only by his good judgment and skill, but also by his personable style. He was open and honest, with a terrific sense of humor.

Mr. Gates noted the `enormous affection' CIA employees have for Dick Kerr, and commented that Dick `had the ability to inspire loyalty on the part of the troops.'

We wish Dick and his family the best. We also extend to him our Intelligence Committee's, and the Congress' profound thanks for a job extremely well done. Dick Kerr is one of the genuine unsung heroes, whose long career as a professional intelligence officer reflects the best tradition of Federal service.